How can we "believe in the LORD" in our daily lives? Opening the Text “Early in the morning they rose and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Hear me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe His prophets, and you will succeed.’” (2 Chronicles 20:20) What “Believe in the LORD” Meant for Judah • Jehoshaphat addressed troops facing a vast coalition. Their physical eyes saw danger; faith opened spiritual sight. • “You will be upheld” is God’s promise of stability—literally “to be confirmed, supported.” • Belief extended to “His prophets,” anchoring the people to the revealed Word they already possessed. Why This Matters for Us • God remains the same (Malachi 3:6); His call to believe is ongoing. • Upholding grace is not abstract. It is experienced when the heart leans fully on God rather than on fluctuating circumstances. Putting Faith into Every Day: Practical Steps • Saturate the mind with Scripture – Begin each day with a set reading plan; let the text set the agenda for thoughts and emotions (Psalm 1:2). • Respond instantly with trust – When news, emails, or conversations bring pressure, mentally affirm, “The LORD reigns” (Psalm 93:1). • Speak faith aloud – Jehoshaphat verbalized confidence. Articulate God’s promises while driving, walking, or working (Romans 10:17). • Obey promptly – Faith is authenticated through action. If Scripture directs forgiveness, generosity, or purity, follow immediately (James 2:22). • Lean on the gathered church – Corporate worship, preaching, and mutual encouragement keep hearts steadfast (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Keep a memorial record – Note answered prayers and providences; review them when new challenges arise, echoing Israel’s memorial stones (Joshua 4:7). Encouragement from Other Passages • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Isaiah 26:3-4: “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast mind, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever…” • John 14:1: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me.” • Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Closing Thoughts Believing in the LORD is not a one-time decision but an ongoing posture—heart, mind, and will leaning entirely on the living God revealed in Scripture. As Jehoshaphat’s army discovered, steadfast faith secures divine upholding and success that human strength can never guarantee. |
    |